ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari arrived in Lisbon on Monday and offered condolences to Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini, Aga Khan V, over the death of his father, Prince Karim Aga Khan.
The President expressed his heartfelt sympathies on behalf of the people and government of Pakistan, saying that the nation mourned the loss of a “true friend” and “great philanthropist,” according to a statement issued by the President House.
The President said he had deeply been touched by the passing of the late Aga Khan, with whom he had personal relations. He lauded the late Aga Khan’s contributions to Pakistan’s social and economic development, particularly in health care, education, community development, and poverty alleviation. “His visionary leadership improved the lives of people in Pakistan and other regions of the world,” he added.
The President informed that he was on an official visit to China when he learned of the Aga Khan’s passing. He said he was visiting Lisbon to pay tribute to the late Prince Karim Aga Khan’s lifelong dedication to philanthropy and humanitarian work, adding that his services to humanity would always be remembered.
The President expressed the hope that Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini would continue his father’s mission to serve the cause of humanity. The President is on a visit to Lisbon to offer condolences and pay tribute to the life of the late Prince Karim Aga Khan. His visit also underscores the deep and enduring friendship between Pakistan and the Aga Khan family and the lasting impact of Prince Karim Aga Khan’s legacy.
Earlier in the day, President Asif Ali Zardari held a meeting with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan during a brief stopover at Istanbul Airport en route to Portugal.
Foreign Minister of Turkiye Hakan Fidan warmly received the President at the airport. President Zardari and President Erdogan discussed bilateral ties and the matters of mutual interest besides exchanging courtesies.